News Release

WILLMAR, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today that a short-term secondary detour related to the Highway 12 improvement project between Willmar and Pennock is necessary while crews work on the Highway 40 junction at the west city limits of Willmar. Weather permitting, Mn/DOT anticipates that the Highway 40 junction will be closed tomorrow (May 7).

Highway 12 motorists will be detoured to 1st Str., 19th Ave., County Road 47, Highway 40 and County Road 7 (See attached map). The detour adds approximately 3.5 miles.

According to Jim Christensen, project supervisor, crews will need approximately 7 working days to complete the Highway 40 junction. At that time, construction will move to the west towards Pennock and motorists will be diverted to the Highway 40 and County Road 7 detour that was in place last week.

Weather permitting, the project will be complete mid-summer.

Mn/DOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones and never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones.

For statewide up-to-date traveler information, motorists can dial 511 on a wireless telephone or 800-542-0220. At this time, there is no extra charge for the 511 service outside of normal airtime or any roaming charges for wireless phone users. Traveler information and other transportation related information is also available on the Mn/DOT web site at www.dot.state.mn.us.